2018 Toyota Tacoma maintenance schedule
Every service on the 2018 Tacoma, with its interval and an estimated cost.
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $35–$75). Normal: replace every 10,000 mi / 12 months with SAE 0W-20 (5W-20 allowed only until the next change); if 0W-20 was NOT used at the last change, replace at the next 5,000-mile service. Severe (dirt or dusty roads; towing, car-top carrier or heavy loading; repeated trips under 5 miles below 32F/0C; extensive idling or low-speed driving such as police/taxi/delivery): every 5,000 mi / 6 months. Capacity with filter (owner's manual): 2TR-FE 6.2 qt (5.9 L); 2GR-FKS 6.1 qt (5.8 L) without towing package, 6.2 qt (5.9 L) with towing package.
- Brake Inspection
- 5,000mi
- ≈ 8,000km
- 6 mo
- Tire Rotation
- 5,000mi
- ≈ 8,000km
- 6 mo
- Engine Air Filter
- 30,000mi
- ≈ 48,000km
- 36 mo
- Cabin Air Filter
- 20,000mi
- ≈ 32,000km
- 24 mo
Service intervals
From the 2018 Toyota Tacoma schedule.
| Service | Every | Est. Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & FilterSafety itemNormal: replace every 10,000 mi / 12 months with SAE 0W-20 (5W-20 allowed only until the next change); if 0W-20 was NOT used at the last change, replace at the next 5,000-mile service. Severe (dirt or dusty roads; towing, car-top carrier or heavy loading; repeated trips under 5 miles below 32F/0C; extensive idling or low-speed driving such as police/taxi/delivery): every 5,000 mi / 6 months. Capacity with filter (owner's manual): 2TR-FE 6.2 qt (5.9 L); 2GR-FKS 6.1 qt (5.8 L) without towing package, 6.2 qt (5.9 L) with towing package. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $35–$75 | |
| Tire RotationEvery 5,000 mi / 6 months. | 5,000 mi / 6 mo≈ 8,000 km / 6 mo | $20–$50 | |
| Engine Air FilterReplace every 30,000 mi / 36 months. Severe (dirt or dusty roads): inspect at every 5,000-mile service. | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | $25–$50 | |
| Cabin Air FilterReplace every 20,000 mi / 24 months; inspected at the 10,000- and 30,000-mile services in between. Heavy traffic, dirt roads, urban/dusty/desert areas may shorten filter life. | 20,000 mi / 24 mo≈ 32,000 km / 24 mo | $20–$45 | |
| Spark Plugs (2TR-FE)2.7L 2TR-FE: replace at 120,000 mi / 144 months. Iridium DENSO FK20HR-A8, gap 0.031 in (0.8 mm); do not adjust the gap. | 120,000 mi / 144 mo≈ 193,000 km / 144 mo | $100–$200 | |
| Spark Plugs (2GR-FKS)3.5L V6 2GR-FKS: replace every 60,000 mi / 72 months (60k and 120k in the log). Iridium DENSO FK20HBR8, gap 0.031 in (0.8 mm). | 60,000 mi / 72 mo≈ 97,000 km / 72 mo | $100–$200 | |
| Engine CoolantFirst replacement at 100,000 mi / 120 months, then every 50,000 mi / 60 months; inspected at every 15,000-mile service. Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. Capacity (owner's manual, reference): 2TR-FE 9.1 qt (8.6 L) AT / 9.2 qt (8.7 L) MT; 2GR-FKS AT 10.5 qt (9.9 L) without towing package, 11.1 qt (10.5 L) with; MT 10.1 qt (9.6 L) / 10.8 qt (10.2 L). | 100,000 mi / 120 mo≈ 161,000 km / 120 mo | $120–$250 | |
| Brake Fluid (inspect level/condition)Toyota's US schedule only inspects brake fluid level/condition as part of 'Inspect and adjust all fluid levels' at every 5,000-mile service; no time-based replacement is scheduled. Fluid: FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703. | 5,000 mi / 6 mo≈ 8,000 km / 6 mo | — | |
| Brake InspectionSafety itemVisually inspect brake linings/drums and pads/discs every 5,000 mi / 6 months; at every 30,000 mi / 36 months inspect with 'thickness measurement and disc runout', plus brake lines and hoses every 15,000 mi. Pad wear limit 0.04 in (1.0 mm). | 5,000 mi / 6 mo≈ 8,000 km / 6 mo | — | |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid (inspect) (6-speed automatic only)6-speed automatic (Toyota Genuine ATF WS). Normal schedule only inspects 'Automatic transmission fluid cooler hoses and connections' and 'Transmission for signs of leakage' every 30,000 mi / 36 months. Severe: replace at 60,000 and 120,000 mi when towing/car-top carrier/heavy loading, or with extensive idling/low-speed driving (police, taxi, delivery). Capacity (owner's manual, reference): 2TR-FE 9.2 qt (8.7 L); 2GR-FKS 10.6 qt (10.0 L) without towing package, 10.8 qt (10.2 L) with. | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | — | |
| Manual Transmission Fluid (inspect) (6-speed manual only)6-speed manual. Normal: inspected for leakage every 30,000 mi / 36 months ('Transmission for signs of leakage'). Severe (towing, car-top carrier, heavy loading): replace every 30,000 mi (30k, 60k, 90k, 120k). Oil: Toyota Genuine MT Gear Oil GL-3 (GL-4) SAE 75W-90, 2.6 qt (2.5 L). | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | — | |
| Rear Differential Fluid (inspect)All Tacomas (2WD and 4WD). Normal: inspect rear differential oil every 15,000 mi / 18 months. Severe (towing, car-top carrier or heavy loading): replace every 15,000 mi. Oil: Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5; capacity (owner's manual, reference) AT 3.1 qt (2.9 L) or 3.22 qt (3.05 L) without rear locker, 4.0 qt (3.8 L) or 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with rear differential lock (by model code); MT 4.0 qt (3.8 L). | 15,000 mi / 18 mo≈ 24,000 km / 18 mo | — | |
| Front Differential Fluid (inspect) (4WD only)4WD only. Normal: inspect every 15,000 mi / 18 months. Severe (towing, car-top carrier or heavy loading): replace every 15,000 mi. Oil: LT 75W-85 GL-5, 1.6 qt (1.5 L). | 15,000 mi / 18 mo≈ 24,000 km / 18 mo | — | |
| Transfer Case Fluid (inspect) (4WD only)4WD only. Normal: inspect every 30,000 mi / 36 months. Severe: replace every 30,000 mi when driving on dirt or dusty roads OR towing/car-top carrier/heavy loading. Oil: Toyota Genuine Transfer Gear Oil LF, SAE 75W, 1.1 qt (1.0 L). | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | — | |
| Propeller Shaft Lubricate & Re-torqueNormal: re-torque the propeller shaft bolt every 15,000 mi / 18 months and lubricate the propeller shaft (4WD). Severe (dirt/dusty roads incl. salted roads; towing): every 5,000 mi. Off-road through deep sand, mud or water: lubricate daily. Grease: lithium-base chassis grease NLGI No. 2. | 15,000 mi / 18 mo≈ 24,000 km / 18 mo | — | |
| Drive Belt InspectionInitial inspection at 60,000 mi / 72 months, then every 15,000 mi / 18 months. | 60,000 mi / 72 mo≈ 97,000 km / 72 mo | — | |
| Vacuum Pump for Brake Booster (2GR-FKS)V6 2GR-FKS only, if equipped: replace the brake-booster vacuum pump at 120,000 mi / 144 months (2018 guide adds 'except for off-road package models'). | 120,000 mi / 144 mo≈ 193,000 km / 144 mo | — | |
| Suspension & Steering InspectionInspect ball joints and dust covers, steering gear, and steering linkage and boots every 15,000 mi / 18 months. | 15,000 mi / 18 mo≈ 24,000 km / 18 mo | — |
≈ converted from the other unit and rounded.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
- 0 Due now
- 0 Within 5,000 mi
- 0 Later
Ask Rev about my Tacoma
GarageHub · Free · Your AI MechanicOpenThe 2018 Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size truck built for durability and off-road capability, with a reputation for longevity when properly maintained. This schedule covers both the standard 2.7L and available 3.5L V6 engines, and applies to 2WD and 4WD models. Following Toyota's recommended intervals will maximize reliability and resale value.
What happens if you skip it
- Skipping differential fluid changes leads to gear wear and potential catastrophic failure of the rear axle, especially under towing or off-road stress.
- Neglecting transfer case fluid maintenance on 4WD models causes internal wear and loss of 4WD engagement reliability.
- Delaying brake fluid flushes increases moisture content, reducing brake pressure and increasing stopping distance in emergency situations.
- Ignoring transmission fluid service accelerates wear on clutch packs (automatics) or synchronizers (manuals), leading to slipping or grinding.
- Skipping coolant flushes allows corrosion buildup in the 3.5L V6, risking head gasket failure and overheating.
Common issues at higher mileage
- 80,000+ mi
- Rear differential bearing wear and whining noise, particularly in 4WD models with heavy use or towing.
- 100,000+ mi
- Transmission shudder or delayed engagement in 6-speed automatics, often resolved by fluid and filter service.
- 120,000+ mi
- Spark plug fouling and misfires if original plugs not replaced; 3.5L V6 more prone to carbon buildup.
- 150,000+ mi
- Water pump failure and coolant leaks, especially in vehicles that skipped coolant flushes.
- 160,000+ mi
- Transfer case grinding or difficulty shifting into 4WD due to worn synchronizers and low fluid condition.
Common questions about the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
How often does a 2018 Toyota Tacoma need an oil change?
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $35–$75). Normal: replace every 10,000 mi / 12 months with SAE 0W-20 (5W-20 allowed only until the next change); if 0W-20 was NOT used at the last change, replace at the next 5,000-mile service. Severe (dirt or dusty roads; towing, car-top carrier or heavy loading; repeated trips under 5 miles below 32F/0C; extensive idling or low-speed driving such as police/taxi/delivery): every 5,000 mi / 6 months. Capacity with filter (owner's manual): 2TR-FE 6.2 qt (5.9 L); 2GR-FKS 6.1 qt (5.8 L) without towing package, 6.2 qt (5.9 L) with towing package.
What maintenance does a 2018 Toyota Tacoma need?
The services not to skip on a 2018 Toyota Tacoma: engine oil & filter every 10,000 mi / 12 mo; brake inspection every 5,000 mi / 6 mo. The table above lists every service with its interval and an estimated cost.
What goes wrong on a Toyota Tacoma at higher mileage?
What owners report as the miles add up — 80,000+ mi: Rear differential bearing wear and whining noise, particularly in 4WD models with heavy use or towing. 100,000+ mi: Transmission shudder or delayed engagement in 6-speed automatics, often resolved by fluid and filter service. 120,000+ mi: Spark plug fouling and misfires if original plugs not replaced; 3.5L V6 more prone to carbon buildup. 150,000+ mi: Water pump failure and coolant leaks, especially in vehicles that skipped coolant flushes. 160,000+ mi: Transfer case grinding or difficulty shifting into 4WD due to worn synchronizers and low fluid condition.
Keep this schedule for your Tacoma
Log what you've done, get reminded what's next. Rev knows the intervals for your Tacoma.